HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0460.025 2022-2024October 17, 2023
County of Hawai'i
County Council
1013 OCT 17 Ni 12: 08,
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Re: Resolution 263-23: Testimony in Support of Resolution to purchase (TMK 328008100) or the
entire shoreline of the 'ili of Pepe'ekeo by the County through the PONC process.
This letter is being written by Todd and Tisha Takazawa and we strongly support the resolution for
purchase of (TMK 328008100) for preservation and stewardship of the shoreline area of the entire 'ili
of Pepe'ekeo.
We both grew up in the Pepe'ekeo community and accessing the shoreline was and is an important
part of our life. The earliest memories I (Tisha) have is going fishing, watching my dad throw net,
pounding 'opihi, catching crabs, collecting limu and going swimming in the stream. I remember
always looking forwarding to going there. I didn't know then, but this experience taught me so much
about my culture and the importance of 'ohana. And this is what we want for our family today. We
want them, and all keiki to get to experience the shoreline and all of its' ha'awina (lessons). It is an
experience which is much more valuable than anything a cell phone or TV has to offer.
Other fond memories of the shoreline were going fishing and camping with family and friends.
Picnics with the family. And each time, it was about respect. We showed respect for the land and
ocean.
Today, we take our daughter there and we teach her valuable lessons of respect and to malama and
pule. My daughter also goes to the shoreline with my parents and my dad is now teaching my
daughter how to throw net. I would rather her spend time at the shoreline instead of on her phone,
the computer or in front of the TV. I want her to grow up knowing the 'aina.
Access to the shoreline is so much more than access. It is a place where we can connect to the land
and have a relationship. A place with valuable resources both to put food on the table, strengthening
the 'ohana, our culture and so much more. For this reason, we humbly ask that you consider the
resolution to purchase TMK 328008100 for preservation and stewardship of the shoreline.
Purchasing this 'aina under the County of Hawai'i PONC process would fulfill long-standing promises
to the Pepe'ekeo community of protecting this shoreline into the future for generations to come. -
Mahalo,
Todd and Tisha Takazawa
Pepe'ekeo Residents
27-1049 Old Mamalahoa Hwy.
Pepe'ekeo, HI 96783
(808) 936-1431 and (808) 640-4328
Comm. N
WIS
Ref. To: % 1491
Ref. nate OCT1